Behind HEX’s Innovative, Anti-Microbial Technical Collection
Co-founder Trent Valladares provides insight on the brand’s most tech-forward bags
On a continued mission to create more tech-forward bags, the team at HEX is set to release their new Technical Collection, which comprises three highly functional, anti-microbial pieces—the Backpack, Messenger and Daily Duffel. While each bag boasts technical elements galore (including features traditionally found only in specialty equipment), they remain minimal and sleek enough for everyday use. Every one of these bags is super-durable, water-resistant and anti-microbial (for more hygienic travels and commutes), plus they all feature a charging pocket, anti-theft clips and EVA-padded storage compartments. HEX has managed to nail the essentials—performance, innovation, aesthetics—and more, for an accessible price.
The Backpack, a staple for everyday use, fits everything needed for a day away from home and looks great in any environment. It’s also large enough to stow essentials for an overnight trip. The Messenger, the smallest and lightest of the collection, is perfect for neighborhood errands and days out when you have fewer things to lug around. The Duffel, perfect for a weekend away, is deceptively roomy and is structured such that it looks great regardless of how much stuff is in it. With plenty of pockets and compartments (including the ventilated shoe garage), this bag takes practical storage to another level.
To find out more about the design process and anti-microbial technology and how it works, we spoke with HEX co-founder Trent Valladares ahead of the exciting release.
Tell us a little about the design process for this new collection—we’re interested to hear about research, development and testing of the anti-microbial fabrics, and are wondering if or how the material informed the design of the bags?
The initial concept was to integrate higher-end exterior materials like 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon and then pair it with our technology needs. To do this we worked hard to incorporate our charging pocket on all three bags to stealthily hold a wireless charger—we even went ahead and made our own charger which fits perfectly in the pocket. As we started to see the collection taking shape, we felt like this was a great vehicle to debut our new anti-microbial technology.
Overkill? Maybe. But we wanted to try to think of everything.
From there, we continued to think through how we wanted the bags to function even to the smallest details. For example, the EVA molded back panel utilizes air channeling for breathability. A feature like this is generally found on a specialty equipment bag, like a camera bag. We brought it into a daily pack. We added other advanced features like our hideaway rain-fly which allows for even more water-resistance but tucks away out of sight when not in use. We thought to use the logo on the rain-fly as an opportunity for reflective ink to increase your visibility in grey, rainy conditions. Overkill? Maybe. But we wanted to try to think of everything.
Even often-overlooked details like the interior wall pockets or organizer pockets have been specifically laid out so that they are perfect for hard drives, phones, tablets and chargers. Not just that you can throw these items in any random pocket in a random bag, but that the pockets are truly designed to better hold and organize all of these types of items—which are necessities of modern life. There is a shoe garage in the Duffel, cinch straps on the Messenger, and they all have the charging pocket as well.
Beyond the material, what features are you most excited about regarding the new collection—the charging banks?
Yeah, I think the charging capability is great. Not only because it is a cool tech feature, but it also works to improve hygiene by keeping your power needs personal to your space—no more using “community” chargers. I also just really like how the total package came together for each bag. Yes, they all have great features, but they are each just exceptional bags when viewed as a complete product. They just work very well, are the right sizes and look good.
Take a look at the HEX Technical Collection online now. The Backpack, Messenger and Duffel are available for the early-bird price $99 on Kickstarter now and will later retail for $149. Each piece is thoughtfully and innovatively designed with real life scenarios in mind.
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